There’s More in the Kitchen!
When extended families gather, stories about funny or awkward experiences, hilarious comments by children, and other memories are recalled, and then told and retold (perhaps with just a little embellishment). One anecdote that circulated among my relatives was attributed to my brother-in-law, Tom, because he told it so well; however, it was actually the experience of my step-sister’s grandparents, a Lutheran pastor and his wife.
As the story went, they were entertaining some friends for dinner, and there were compliments on the delicious food. Graciously, their host encouraged everyone to feel free to take extra servings and eat their fill, saying, “There’s more in the kitchen!” Except there wasn’t – all the food was on the table. His wife was trying to send him thought waves to back off on the generosity, and was on the brink of panic, but the well-mannered guests saved her from embarrassment, assuring him there was more than enough right there on the table.
It’s fun to share these stories, and they’re also quite relatable. Offering refreshments is the most welcoming of gestures. From a cup of coffee or a glass of punch to a full meal, this is our definition of hospitality. Throughout the Gospels, there are accounts of Jesus and the disciples being welcomed into the homes of friends and followers, where they were offered food and drink. Later, especially in the books of Acts and Romans, we learn that sharing meals and fellowship were central to congregational life in the early church.
The Gospel of Matthew gathers together many of Jesus’ most basic teachings. The Golden Rule, the Beatitudes, and the Lord’s Prayer, are but a few included in the early chapters. It doesn’t seem that much time elapses in the narrative before it’s apparent that increasing numbers of people are coming to hear Jesus. We read in Matthew 15 that a huge crowd had been following and listening to him, and he became concerned that they were hungry. The disciples were able to scrounge up only a few loaves of bread and some fish, but somehow everyone ate, and there were even leftovers. However this occurred, what matters is that the hungry were fed, and we are taught that God’s abundance is unending. When our spirits are dried up and when our hearts feel empty, we have a source that will refresh and refill us every time.
We read in John’s Gospel (6:35) that Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” This assurance that we have a never-ending source of nourishment and refreshment is certainly what we need to hear on the days we feel discouraged, weary, or even hopeless. There is abundance for all, and none will be left hungry or thirsty. This, then, is both a promise and an example. As the recipients of such generosity, how can we not do likewise for those in need?
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers